FDA Recalls Fish Fillet Products Due to Risk of Soy Allergies

People who are allergic to soy can face a ‘serious or life-threatening allergic reaction’ if they consume these products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in White Oak, Md., on June 5, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of two fish fillet products after the items were found to contain soy that was not declared on the ingredient labels.

Tampa Bay Fisheries Inc. is voluntarily recalling two products sold under the “365 Whole Foods Market” brand, according to a Dec. 23 FDA recall notice. “The product contains soy which is not declared on the product label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. No illnesses have been reported to date,” the agency stated.

“The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy. No other lots were found to be affected. The affected product has been removed from store shelves.”

The items being recalled are:

• One lot of “Beer Batter Pollock” 32 oz. bags with Universal Product Code (UPC) 9948249803 from lot number 32508201, with the “Best By” date set at March 3, 2025.
• Two lots of “Beer Batter Cod” 12 oz. cartons with UPC 9948248051. The product with lot number 32348201 has a “Best By” date set for Feb. 22, 2025. Lot number 32628201 has a “Best By” date of March 19, 2025.

The lot number and “Best By” dates are mentioned on the products. These items were available for purchase at Whole Foods Market stores between Sept. 8, 2023, and Dec. 22, 2023.

The FDA asked customers who have bought the items from Whole Foods Market stores to not consume them, and instead to get rid of them. Customers can bring their receipts for a full refund at the stores. Those who have questions can contact Tampa Bay Fisheries Inc. at (800)-SEAFOOD, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Multiple other products have been recalled this year due to a potential soy allergy. In August, Frito-Lay announced a recall of a “limited number” of its Doritos potato chips due to concerns about soy and wheat allergens.

In November, Seneca Foods Corporation recalled mislabeled 12 oz. jars of Hy-Vee Turkey Gravy as the item was believed to “potentially contain a soy allergen which is not declared on the label.” In December, Eban’s Bakehouse recalled some of its cookies “due to undeclared milk and soy allergens.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), soy is one of the eight foods or food groups that account for the most serious allergic reactions in the United States.

“Federal law requires food labels in the United States to clearly identify the food allergen source of all foods and ingredients that are (or contain any protein derived from) these common allergens,” the agency stated.

Soy Allergy

When an individual experiences a soy allergy, their immune system will see the protein in soy as a foreign invader, like a virus or bacteria, according to the Cleveland Clinic. As a result, the immune system will overreact, causing health complications.

Soy allergies usually affect infants and children. Many infants outgrow it but some don’t. While a soy allergy is typically seen in children, individuals of any age can end up developing it as certain foods or drinks can trigger the allergy.

The body can respond to a soy allergy in two ways. First, it can create an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) after the first soy exposure. IgE is known to target specific allergens.

Secondly, soy can trigger non-IgE reactions that involve the immune system while not involving IgE antibodies. Such a reaction tends to be slower than an immune response triggered by IgE.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction that usually occur within minutes or hours of exposure include wheezing, tingling, red skin, hives or itching, swelling of the mouth or other parts of the body, pain in the belly, and nausea or vomiting, according to WebMD.

A more serious allergic reaction would be anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction that can result in a sudden dip in blood pressure, causing the body to go into shock. Individuals can also suffer from impaired breathing.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include weak pulse, confusion, swelling in the throat, tongue, or lips, dizziness, a sense of impending doom, and gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain or diarrhea.

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical care. As such, experts recommend calling 911 as soon as possible once anaphylaxis is suspected.

Foods to Avoid

Food items that are rich in soy and thus risk causing soy allergies include soy oil, soy sauce, miso, textured vegetable protein, tofu, and soy-based products such as nondairy cheese, nondairy ice cream, soy milk, nondairy yogurt, and soy flour.

Soy can also be found in products like canned tuna and meat, infant formulas, soaps and moisturizers, personal care products, cookies, processed meats, sausages, cereals, and sauces, according to Medical News Today.

At present, there is no effective treatment to counter soy allergies. As such, stress is given to prevention. Any individual who is susceptible to soy allergy should ideally avoid all soy and soy-based products.

When buying food products, it is advised that people read through the labels to check whether soy is listed as an ingredient.

While dining at restaurants, individuals should ideally check whether any soy item is included in a dish they wish to order or whether the soy-free dish is cooked in the same utensils as a soy-based dish. They can instruct the restaurant to ensure that the dish does not come into contact with soy in any manner.